How Often do you Need to Replace Your Toothbrush Head

Posted on 4/13/2018 by Bisson Dentistry

Brushing your teeth plays an important role in maintaining a healthy smile. This is something that most people know and understand today. However, one thing that often gets overlooked is the toothbrush itself.

Many people simply walk in their bathroom and use the same toothbrush day after day. They don't think about changing their toothbrush, let alone when to do so. We have some recommendations here that you shouldn't ignore though.

How Often do you Need to Replace Your Toothbrush Head

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush every three or four months. This is true regardless of whether you're using a manual or an electric toothbrush.

When you're sick, you should also change your toothbrush after you're healthy again. This is important because the flu virus, staph bacteria, E. coli, yeast fungus, and the strep virus hang out on used toothbrushes.

You can get sick from continuing to use a germy toothbrush because their bristles don't kill the bacteria that's in your mouth, protect you against disease, or prevent you from getting sick.

Another time you'll want to change your toothbrush sooner is if the bristles grow frayed. This is because frayed bristles will lose their effectiveness.

Changing your toothbrush at any of these times isn't a waste of money. Clinical research shows that new toothbrushes remove more plaque than old, worn out toothbrushes.

This means that a new toothbrush is more effective in helping you keep your teeth clean and healthy. It's also a matter of good hygiene, regardless of what type of toothbrush you're using.

When you have a question about your toothbrush, make sure you ask us when you come in for your routine checkup. We understand that this can be confusing until you get into a routine. Let us help clear things up for you.